Everton midfielder Arteta to have surgery in Spain

Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta will have surgery in Spain next week on the ruptured cruciate ligament that will keep him out of action for as long as six months. The Spaniard was ruled out for the rest of the season after damaging his right knee in the third minute of Sunday's 0-0 Premier League draw at Newcastle.

"He's going to have surgery early next week in Barcelona," Everton physiotherapist Mick Rathbone said. "We use three surgeons: the best in Britain, the best in Europe and the best in America. "Clearly it suits Mikel to use the Spanish guy and he is very happy with the choice."

Arteta has scored seven goals this season and his skillful midfield play has been crucial in the team's rise to sixth place in the Premier League.